Foldable metal awning



June 10, 1952 N. ETTEN FOLDABLE METAL AWNING 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 11, 1951 June 10, 1952 N. L. ETTEN 2,600,230

FOLDABLE METAL AWNING Filed July 11, 1951 v 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 IZfiI E TITS T June 10, 1952 N. ETTEN 2,600,230

FOLDABLE METAL AWNING Filed July 11, 1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 WIN June 10, 1952 N. 1.. ETTEN FOLDABLE METAL AWNING 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 11, 1951 N. L. ETTEN FOLDABLE METAL AWNING June 10, 1952 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed July 11, 1951 IT'ZZ/ETJTET M012 alas L E zzezz Patented June 10, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE F-OLDABLE METAL AWNING Nicholas L. Etten, Cedar Falls, Iowa Application july 11, 1951, Serial No. 236,260

13 Claims.

This invention relates to a foldable metal awning and more particularly to a strong durable metal awning operable between a compact folded position and an extended position and improved operating means therefor.

Conventional foldable awnings such as those constructed of canvas and the like are generally quite flimsy, are susceptible to damage by high winds, wear out quickly, and are generally not attractive in appearance, particularly in retracted position.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved foldable metal awning which i very strong and very durable.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved foldable metal awnin which can be readily and smoothly operated between a retracted folded position and an extended position.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved operating mechanism for retracting and extending a foldable awning.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an awning having improved ventilating structure.

A feature of this invention is in the provision of an awning having a foldable top, extensible side panel being connected to the foldable top, being operated therewith and olfering support therefor in the extended position of the awning.

Another feature of this invention is in the provision of an improved rack and pinion operating mechanism for a foldable awning.

Other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and in which:

- Figurel is a perspective view of an awning constructed according to this invention mounted on a window frame and in an extended position;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the awning of Figure 1 in retracted or folded position;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the awning of Figure l in a partially retracted position;

Figure 4 is a broken view, on an enlarged scale, looking downwardly and inwardly on a portion of the awning of Figure 1, certain parts being broken away for clarity of illustration;

Figure 5 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken substantially along line VV of Figure'l;

Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on line VI-VI of Figure 4;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line VII-V11 of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line VIII--VIII of Figure 1;

Figure 9 i an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line IX-IX in the lower right-hand portion of Figure 5; and

Figure 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line X-X in the lower left-hand portion of Figure 5.

In general, an awning constructed accordin to this invention may include an upper louvered top panel or canopy section 20 arranged to be affixed to and extend outwardly from a wall or upper portion of a window or door frame. A pair of fixed side panels 2| and 22 are secured at their upper edge portions to the top panel 20 and are affixed at their, inner edges to the wall or side members of the window or door frame.

An intermediate louvered top panel section 23 is hinged at its normally upper edge to the lower edge of the upper fixed top panel 20 and a lower louvered top panel section 24 is hinged at its normally upper edge to the normally lower edge of the intermediate top panel section 23.

A pair of triangulate intermediate side panels 25 and 26 are pivoted adjacent the lower vertex portions thereof to the fixed side panels 2i and 22, respectively, and a pair of outer triangulate side panels 21 and 28 are also pivoted adjacent lower vertex portions thereof to the fixed side panels 2! and 22, respectively, the side panels 25, 26, 21 and 28 all being pivotal on a common axis. The outer louvered top paneled section 24 is hinged to the lower pivoted side panels 21 and 28 for concurrent actuation of both the side panels and the top panels.

With the construction thu far described, movement of the side panels 21 and 28 inwardly will move the parts of the awning between the extended position illustrated in Figure 1 and a compact folded position illustrated in Figure 2. The movement of the louvered top panel sections 23 and 24 and the movement of the pivoted triangulate side panel sections 25, 26, 21 and 28 will be clear from reference to Figures 3 and 4 which show the parts in partially retracted positions.

It will be noted that the movable side panels provide support for the movable louvered top panel sections when the parts are in the extended positions and that the side panels afford protection from rain, snow, sun and the like,

coming from either side. It may also be noted that the same side of the louvered top panel section 24 always faces up so that the awnin presents an attractive appearance whether folded or extended.

According to this invention, compact, easily operated and dependable means are provided for moving the parts of the awning between the retracted and extended positions thereof. Referring to Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, a pair of bell-crank lever arms 3i are each connected to the lower louvered top panel section 24 through a link 32. Referring to Figure 3, it will be seen that clockwise rotation of the levers 3| will move the parts of the awning from the extended to the retracted position.

To actuate the bell-crank levers 3|, a rack assembly generally designated by reference numeral 33 is pivotally connected to each bell-crank lever 3|. A pinion 34 meshes with each of the rack assemblies 33 and both pinions 34 are connected to a double-pulley assembly generally designated by reference numeral 35. Portions of a rope 3B are wound in opposite direction on the sections of the double-pulley 35 so that'the pulley may be rotated in either direction to retract or extend the movable parts of the awning.

Having described the general make-upand operation of the operating mechanism, the component parts of the mechanism will now be described. The bell-crank lever 3! is formed from two triangulate'plates'38 and 39 whichare formed with central inwardly oppositely recessed portions 38a and 39a, respectively, which are disposed in abutting relation and secured together by rivets 40, the aligned outer edges of the plates 33 and 39 thereby being in spaced relationship.

The link 32 has a generally U-shaped cross section and one end of the linkextends between the plates 38 and 39, a bolt 4! extending through the plates 38 and 39 and the link 32 to aiford a pivotal connection between the lever 31 and the link 32. The other end of each link 32 is connected to the lower louvered top panel section 24 through a unique arrangement which holds this top panel section'in locked position when extended and which releases the top panel section from the locked position when the operating mechanism is actuated for folding the awning. This arrangement will be described in detail hereinafter.

Both levers 3! are pivoted on a tie-bar 43 which is affixed between the fixed side panels 2! and 22. To secure the tie-bar 43 to'the side panels 21 and 22, a pair of brackets 44 and 45 are mounted on the fixed side panels 21 and 22, respectively, the brackets 44 and 45 having inwardly projecting portions 44a and 45a, respectively, into which the ends of the tie-bar 43 extends.

The brackets 44 and 45 also have inwardly projecting portions 44b and 4519, respectively, which are machined to provide internal shaftreceiving bearing surfaces. Each pinion 34 has an integral shaft portion 34a journaled in one of the bearing portions 44b and 452). Each pinion 34 also has an integral shaft portion 331) secured into one end of a connecting hollow shaft 46. Thus rotation of the shaft 46 will rotate both of the pinions 34.

Each rack assembly 33 includes a pair of spaced generally L-shaped plates 41 between which a toothed rack 48 is disposed, rivets 49 extending through the plates 41 and the rack 43 to secure them in assembly. Each plate 4'! has an elongated slot 411:. (Figure 6) throughwhich the shaft 34a of the pinion 34 extends to maintain the teeth of the pinion in mesh with the teeth of the rack. The plates 41 of each rack assembly 33 have portions 47' which extend between the spaced outer edge portions of the plates 38 and 39 forming the bell-crank lever 31, as seen in Figures 3, 4 and 5, the pivotal connection between the rack assembly 33 and the bell-crank lever 3i being provided by a pin 50 extending through terminal end parts of the portions 47 of the plates 41 and through the plates 38 and 39. It will thus be seen that rotation of the pinions 34 clockwise, Figure 6, will move the rack assembly 33 inwardly and upwardly to pivot the bell-crank lever 3| clockwise about the tie-bar 43 and thus retract and fold the movable'parts of the awning.

The double-pulley 35 is constructed from a pair of outer circular plates or disks 5i and a center plate or disk 52. The outer circular plates 5| are formed with central inwardly recessed portions 5m which abut the center disk 52, the three disks being secured together by rivets or the like extending through the recessed portions 51a and the center disk 52. The center disk 52 may be aiiixed to the hollow shaft 46 in any desired manner.

A portion 36a of the rope 36 is wound clockwise (as viewed in Figure 5) around the right-hand portion of double-pulley (as viewed in Figure 4) while a portion 36b of the rope 36 is wound in an opposite direction around the other portion of the double-pulley. Thus a downward pull on portion 36a. will rotate the pulley and pinion 34 clockwise, While a downward pull on portion 36b will rotate the pulley and pinion counter-clockwise. As shown in Figure 2, the looped end of the rope 36 may be wound around or tied to a cleat 53 mounted on one side member of the window or door frame so that the actuating mechanism for the awning may be held in any desired position. 7

A rope guide is provided adjacent the pulley 35. This guide includes a generally arcuate plate 54 disposed in proximity to the periphery of the pulley 35, the plate 54 having a pair of guide openings through which the portions 36a and 36b of the rope 33 extend. The plate 54 is formed with a terminal hook-like end extending around the tie-bar 43. A generally U-shaped support member '55 is secured to the plate '54 and has portion extending on either side of the pulley 35 and pivoted on the shaft 46.

According to this invention, the louvered top panel sections and the side panel sections are constructed and assembled in a novel manner such that they are readily'fabricated and assembled, durable, and efficient, quiet and reliable in operation.

As seen-in Figures 4 and 5, the upperfixedtop panel section 20 includes a pair of angularly formed side channels 51 and '58 which haveintegral upper terminal attachment ears 5'la and 58a, respectively. An upper sheet metal louver 59 abuts against the lower'surface of the upper legs or flanges of the side panels 51 and 58 and is formed with an upturned flange abutting the attachment ears 51a and 58a. A rigidifying bar 60 "having a generally L-shaped cross-section abuts the lower surface of the-louver 59'andinward surface of the upturned flange thereof. Rivets 6|, or the like, secure the louver 59and bartfl to the side channels 51 and '58. The

louver 59 and the bar 60 preferably 'have'inverted keyhole openings therein aligned with like openings in the ears-51a and58a for-attachment to the windowor door frame by screws or the like.

For attachment to the fixed side panels 2| and 22, the side channels 51 and 58 are formed with downturned flanges 51b and 58b, the upper edge portions of the side panels 2| and 22 being secured to the flanges 51b and 58b, respectively, by rivets or the-like. The side channels 51 and 58 and the upper louver 59 may be additionally tied together by a pair of brackets 62 secured to the flanges 51b and 58b and to the upper louver 59.

A plurality of louvers 63, four being illustrated in the drawings, may be secured between the side channels 51 and 58. For this purpose, a pair of louver support brackets 65 and 66 are secured to the downturned flanges 51b and 58b, respectively, of the side channels. The brackets 65 and 86 are formed with spaced integral stepped portions 65a and 66a to which the louvers 63 are secured, rearward portions of the louvers 83 abutting associated stepped portions 65a and 86a and being secured thereto by rivets while forward portions of the louvers are secured to associated stepped portions 65a and 68a through spacers 61. The'rearward edge of each louver 63 is upturned while the forward edge portion is downturned so that rain, snow and the like will be effectively excluded while ventilation air may readily flow between the louvers.

The intermediate louvered top panel section 23 has a construction somewhat similar to that of the fixed top panel section 28 and includes a pair of side channels 69 and 18 between which a plurality of louvers H are secured. For this purpose, the lower legs or flanges of the side channels 69 and 18 are formed with integral spaced stepped portions 63a and 18a, respectively. As shown in Figure 5, rearward portions of each of the louvers 1|, except the rearward louver, abut associated step portions 69a and 18a and are secured thereto by rivets. Forward portions of each of the louvers 1|, except the forward louver, are secured to associated step portions 69a and 18a through spacers 12. Rearward portions of the rearward louver 1| are secured to the channels 69 and 18 through bracket plates 13 riveted to the louver and to the side channels. Forward portions of the forward louver 1| are secured to the side channels 89 and 18 through bracket plates 14 riveted to the louver and to the side channels.

To hinge the top panel section 23 to the afiixed top panel section 28, the side channels 51 and 58 of the fixed top panel 28 are formed with integral looped portions 51c and 580, respectively, and the side channels 68 and 18 of the top panel sections 23 are formed with integral looped portions 8% and 181), respectively, hinge pins 15 extending through associated aligned looped portions 51c and 69b and associated aligned looped portions 580 and 18b.

The lower top panel section 24 includes a main portion aligned with the top panel sections 23 and 28 in the extended position thereof and a lower valance portion downturned with respect to the main portion. A pair of side members I1 and 18 have cross-sections of generally channel shape opposite the main portion and L-shaped cross-sections opposite the valance por tion. A plurality of louvers 19, three being illustrated, are supported between the side members l1 and 18. For this purpose, the lower legs or flanges of the channel-shaped portions of the side members 11 and 18 are formed with stepped portions, rearward portions of the louvers 19 bemg riveted to associated stepped portions and forward portions of the louvers 13 being secured to associated stepped portions through spacers 88, in substantially the same manner as above described.

Each louver 19 has an upturned rearward edge portion and a downturned forward edge portion, the louvers being disposed in overlapping relation so that rain, snow and the like are effectively excluded while ventilation air may flow freely between the louvers.

Looking now at Figures 5 and 9, it will be seen that a valance plate 8| extends between the side members 11 and 18 and is secured in abutting relation to the inwardly extending legs or flanges of the valance portions of members I1 and 18 and in abutting relation to the inward surface of the downturned forward flange of the forward louver 19. For additional support of the valance plate and for rigidifying the structure, integral tabs may extend from the lower fla e of the channel-shaped portions of side members 11 and 18, the tabs being riveted to the valance plate 8|. For further rigidity, the valance plate 8| preferably has a lower inturned flange portion 8| and, for still further rigidity and to support hinge structures to be described, a valance channel 82 extends between the valance portions of the side members 11 and 18, the channel being riveted or otherwise secured to the valance plate 8| and flange portion 8|a thereof and having integral tabs or ears 82a riveted to the associated portions of the side members 11 and 18.

To hinge the section\24 to the section 23, the side channels 69 of the section 23 and the side member 11 of the section 24 are formed with integral aligned hinge loops and the side channel 18 of the section 23 and the side member 18 of the section 24 are also formed with interal aligned hinge loops, hinge pins 83 extending through the associated hinge loops, Figures 4 and 5.

According to this invention, novel and highly advantageous structures, illustrated best in Fi ures 5 and 9, are provided for hinging the top panel sections 24 to the side panels 21 and 28 and for connecting the links 32 to the top panel sections 24.

Each of the side panels 21 and 28 has a hinge loop 85 extending from the outer lower corner thereof. A pair of straps 86 forming spaced aligned hinge loops are disposed on either side of each loop- 85 and welded or otherwise secured to the valance channel 82. A hinge bracket Bl has spaced aligned hinge loops or bearing portions 81a aligned on either side of each loop 85 and between the loops 86. A hinge pin 88 extends through the associated loops 85, 86 and 81a so that each of the side panels 21 and 28 is pivotally hinged to the top panel section 24, each bracket 81 being pivotally movable on the associated hinge pin 88.

Each bracket 81 has an arm portion 81b pivotally connected to one end of the associated link 32. For this purpose, a pin 98 extends through the spaced legs or flanges of each channel-shaped link 32 and through an opening in the end of the associated arm portion 81b. Each bracket 81 also has a portion 81c resiliently urged into'engagement with the channel 82. A pair of bolts 9| extend through the channel 82 and through the portion 81c of each bracket, 2. helical compression spring 92 is disposed on each bolt 9|, and a cotter pin 93 is disposed on each thereof onthe associated-pin 99.

'7 bolt-to hold the associated spring 292 thereon s that :the portion 810 of each bracket 8,! is re- Siliently urged toward the "channel 8.2.

With this arrangement, the movable itop sections 23 and 24 may be resiliently locked in extended position. It will be seen that h the parts are in the position illustrated in Figure 3, for example, each compression spring =92 will hold the associated -portion 810 in engagement with the channel 82. When the bell-prank levers 3! are actuated to pivot in -a counterclockwise direction (Figures 3 and 5) the portion 810 will remain engaged with the channel 82 .until the top sections and :side panels ;are substantially .in the positions illustrated in Figure5. Further counterclockwise rotationef bellorank levers 3| will rotate only the brackets 8! counterclockwise a ainst the action of compression springs :92. The levers 3| are preferably rotated to over-center positions, that is, with the axes of pins 4'! upwardly spaced from a line through the axes of the tie-rod 43 and pin 590 as illustrated in Figure 5. The compression spring 92 will then resiliently maintain the top panel sections, bell-crank levers 3| and links 32 in the positions illustrated in :Ffigure 5.

To fold the awning, the levers 3| are of course, rotated clockwise. It will ,be noted that the axis of pin 90 is well below ,a line through the axes of hinge pins and83 in ;the-extended position-of Figure 5 so that on-center-or overcenter locking of the top panel sections 23 and 24 cannot occur. Thus the top panel sections are resiliently locked in the extended position through the co-operation of compression spring 92, bracket 87, links 32 and levers 3-1, but may be readily r-folded by actuation of the levers 3i.

Referring-to Figures 5 and 7, it will be seenthat each of .the fixed side panels .2! and .22ispreferably .formed with inturned flanges at the inner and outeredgesthereof torigidifythesame. The flanges at the innerfiedges of the fixedside-panels are preferably secured to the window or door frame as by screws. Strips 95 of .wood or the .likemay be affixed to each of thefixed side panels cured as :by riveting. The hinge loops or bearings -85 described above and-shown ,in Figure 9 .are

preferably formedas integral parts of the channels -91.

Referring to Figures 5 and 10,1 haveshownthe pivotal-connections between the movable side.

panels and fixed side panels as each including a bracket 98 ,formed with a pair oirspaced, parallel arms, each bracket 98 beingsecured to the inside lower edge portion oftheassociated :fixedside panel. A pivot pin..99 extends through ,fiufiXBd side panel andto the arms of the associated bracket 98, and each movable triangulateside panel is pivoted adjacent a lower vertex portion Iii-order to maintain the side panels in spaced relation on the ,pin. 99, each of the fixed-side panels has,,an integral portion lilll extending inwardly, each mov- :able sidepanel is provided with ,an outwardly deformed portion adjacent the pivotpin 99 and a washer I01 is disposed on the pin 99 :between 8 each pair of movable side panels. For additional pivotal support of each of the movable side-panels 21 and 28, a bifurcated hinge bracket .102 is riveted or otherwise secured to the end portion of the associated rigidify-ing channel '81, each pin 99 extending-through the arms of the associated hinge brackets 102.

To guide each .of the movable side panels -25 and 2B in pivotal movement, an arcuate arm 103 is pivoted :at one end on the associatediixed ,side panel by means 50f a rivet I04, Figures 5 and 7. The other ,end of each iarcuate arm 103 has a transverse slot therein through whicha bolt J05 mixed to the associated fixed sidepanelextends. A tension spring 1106 connects the innerendof -each arm 1 03 to the associated side panels ,and resiliently urges the arm upwardly. A headed pin 1.01 is afifixed to each of the ,movable side panels 25 .and26 and engages the upper edge of the associated arm 103 to guide the side panel .in its pivotal movement. :It .will be readily seen that the tension spring 10.6 will maintain each .arm I03 and associated .pin ill] inoperative engagement.

A spring-urged arm may be provided von..ea ch of the side panels 25 and 2 61120 guide the ,asso- .ciated-one of the .side panels ,2! and 28 in its pivotal movementpr, as illustrated-in Figures 5 and 8, a plate I08 may be affixed to-each of the panels .25 and 26, each plate being formed with an rupperwedge inwardly spaced from .the inner surfaceof theassociated side .panel .and having an arcuate upper edge .suchthat all points-on the .upper edge are substantially equidistanceI-rom theaxislof the pivot pins .99. .A headed pin .109 is afiixed toeach of the side panels 21,and-.28 and engages the upper edgeof the associated plate .l 08 to guide thepanels z'land 28in their pivotal movement with respect .to the side panels 25 and;26.

,In summary, a highly advantageous foldable metal awning is provided by this invention which is strong, resistant to theelementsin both folded and extendedpositions, durable,..attractive.in appearance, easily, smoothly and quietly operable, and readily and. economically manufacturable.

It will be apparent that modifications and variations may ,be effected without departing .from the spirit andscopeof the novel concepts of the present invention.

I claim as my invention:

-1. An awning comprising a foldabletop, aJlever linked .to said top, for operating th same between retracted andextended positions, and rope and pulley operated rack and pinion means con eqted .to. said ,lever. for actuating the same.

,2. awning comprisingafoldahle top, a-lever, and. means connectingsaid lever, to said foldable top,--.said lever ,beingswingable to actuate said top between retracted and extended positions, and said connecting means including, spring a means resiliently locking the top in extendedposition.

-3. Anawning comprising a foldable top, a rack assembly connected to. said foldable top for ac- .tuating the same between retractedandextended position and :including a toothed rack, and a toothed actuatingpinion rotatable in the awning,

,said sections ,between extended positions vand ,compact, folded positions, .and ,rope .and pulley operated rack and pinion means connected to the 'lever for actuating the same.

5. An awning comprising a plurality o1 hingedly connected top panels, a lever, a bracket hinged to one of said top panel sections and having a pair of arm portions, a link pivotally connected at one end to said lever and at the other end to one of said arm portions and said one top panel section, said lever being rotatable to actuate the top panel sections between folded and extended positions, and spring means acting to resiliently lock the top panels in extended position.

5. An awning comprising a foldable top, rack and pinion means for operating the top between folded and extended positions, and means for actuating the rack and pinion means including a double-sectioned pulley, a first rope portion wound in one direction around one section of the pulley, and a second rope portion wound in a reverse direction around the other section of the pulley, whereby the rope portions may be selectively actuated to operate the awning into retracted or extended positions.

7 In an awning having a foldable top and a pair of sides each including a plurality of pivoted side panels, the top and sides being connected for concurrent actuation between retracted positions in which the top is compactly folded and the side panels of each side are disposed in nested relation and extended positions in which the top is extended and the side panels abut and support the top, a lever, and means connecting said lever to the foldable top, said lever being rotatable to retract and extend the awning, and said connecting means including spring means for resiliently locking the awning in extended position.

8. An awning comprising a plurality of hingedly connected top panels, a lever below said top panels, a bracket hinged to one of said top panels and having an inwardly extending arm portion connected to said lever, spring means between said bracket and said one top panel for urging said arm portion downwardly, said lever being rotatable to actuate said top panels between compact folded positions and extended positions, said spring means cooperating with the lever and bracket to lock the panels in extended positions.

9. An awning comprising a foldable top and foldable sides connected thereto, a double-section pulley connected to the foldable sides and top and rotatable in one direction to extend the top and sides and in a reverse direction to retract the top and sides, a first rope portion wound in one direction around one section of said pulley, and a second rope portion wound in a reverse direction around the other section of said pulley, said rope portions thereby being selectively actuatable to retract or extend the awning.

10. A foldable awning, comprising a canopy of hinged sections movable into superposed relationship when folded, a pair of sides each including sections movable into juxtaposed relationship when folded, rack and pinion means, linkages connected to the rack means and to a movable part of said awning, and means to actuate the pinion means in either direction to fold and extend the awning.

11. A foldable awning comprising a canopy including a fixed section, a first movable section hinged to said fixed section and a second movable section hinged to said first movable section, and a lever and link assembly connected between said fixed section and said second movable section and actuatable for folding and extending said canopy.

12. An awning comprising a foldable canopy, and a pair of sides each including a fixed panel, an intermediate pivotal panel and an outer panel, said intermediate and outer panels being fcldable into juxtaposed relationship with said fixed panel and extensible into supporting relationship with said canopy, said intermediate side panels being free from direct connection to said foldable canopy, and said outer side panels being connected to said foldable canopy for concurrent actuation therewith.

13. In a foldable awning, folding and extending means comprising a lever, and a link connected between said lever and said awning, said lever and link being movable into over-center relationship to hold said awning rigidly extended.

NICHOLAS L. ETTEN.

REFERENCES CITED UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Murdoch Sept. 25, 1928 Number 

